Are we really dedicated to the Lord?

I realize there was a time in every Christian’s life when they were convicted of their sins, felt sorry for them and asked forgiveness for them.

I also know when that happens in sincerity, God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ will forgive and come into the life of that individual through the Holy Spirit. Even though they have all of God, it doesn’t mean that God has all of them.

I can illustrate this best through my own experience. When I was a child, I accepted Jesus as my savior and believed that if I died, I would go to heaven. To the best of my ability, I did those things I knew were right and didn’t do what I was taught was wrong. During the summer I was 16, I was at a dinner before a camp meeting service where someone asked me a question out of the blue that I believe changed my life. It went something like this: “Steve, have you completely dedicated your life to Christ?”I responded, “I think so.”

She responded with a “if you had, you would know so.”

Later on, when I sat in service, God’s spirit began to speak to me. Even though I couldn’t tell you a thing the speaker said, when the invitation was given, I ran forward. My prayer was that I wanted to surrender my all to the Lord. Suddenly, I had assurance God was going to use me in his work.

I believe Paul addressed dedication in Romans 12:1 when he said to those who were Christians, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God— this is your spiritual act of worship.” The reason Paul says we need to present ourselves to live sacrificial lives of dedication is “in view of God’s mercy.” This means that because God provided a way for our sins to be forgiven, then out of gratitude we ought to give our lives for his work.

I think it is good for all of us Christians to ask this simple question: “Does God have all of us, or are there areas in our life where there is a door which reads, ‘do not disturb’ or ‘no trespassing?’” Are you really dedicated? If you are a Christian and growing in your faith, there will be a time when God’s spirit will call you to this place in your life. What will your answer be?